In a candid revelation, acclaimed actor Denzel Washington has shared insights into the profound impact of his 2000 Academy Award loss to Kevin Spacey. He detailed a subsequent 15-year period marked by bitterness and increased alcohol consumption.
Washington, who had previously won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter in “The Hurricane,” was a leading contender for the Best Actor Oscar at the 72nd Academy Awards. However, Spacey won for his role in “American Beauty.” Reflecting on that night, Washington admitted, “I went home and drank that night.”
The defeat had a lasting effect on Washington, leading him to disengage from the Academy Awards process. He recounted, “They don’t care about me? I don’t care. I gave up. I got bitter.” During this time, he delegated his Academy voting responsibilities to his wife, Pauletta, asking her to watch the nominated films and vote on his behalf.
Washington vividly remembers when Spacey’s name was announced, recalling, “I have a memory of turning around and looking at him, and nobody was standing but the people around him.”
Before this loss, Washington had earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” in 1990. He later secured his first Best Actor Oscar in 2002 for his role in “Training Day,” becoming only the second Black performer to win. Despite this subsequent victory, Washington’s bitterness about the 2000 loss persisted for nearly 15 years, coinciding with alcohol abuse use that included indulging in premium wines worth thousands of dollars per bottle.
Beyond his acclaimed roles in “The Hurricane” and “Training Day,” and despite these challenges, Washington has delivered numerous standout performances throughout his career. In 1993, he starred alongside Tom Hanks in “Philadelphia,” portraying a lawyer who overcomes personal biases to represent an AIDS patient, a role that showcased his depth and versatility.
In 2007, Washington took on the complex character of Frank Lucas in “American Gangster,” earning critical praise for his compelling portrayal of the notorious Harlem drug lord. Demonstrating his range, he played a determined father in “John Q” (2002), a role that highlighted his ability to convey intense emotion and moral complexity. Additionally, Washington’s directorial efforts, such as “Antwone Fisher” (2002) and “The Great Debaters” (2007), have further solidified his status as a multifaceted talent in the film industry.
Since achieving sobriety in 2014, Washington has continued to excel in his career, earning four additional Best Actor Oscar nominations, most recently in 2022 for “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”
Washington is preparing for his role in “Gladiator II,” directed by Ridley Scott. The actor has hinted at an eventual retirement, though he remains open to working with acclaimed directors like Paul Thomas Anderson. His collaboration with Scott on “American Gangster” has influenced his decision to join the sequel.
Washington’s story shows just how complicated personal and professional resilience can be, proving that even tough setbacks can lead to significant growth and new achievements.